Serena loses

Serena Williams has lost in the first round of the Miami Open yesterday, still rusty in her comeback from pregnancy and unable to overcome a tough draw against Naomi Osaka, who won 6-3, 6-2. The 20-year-old Osaka, who earned her first career title on Sunday at Indian Wells by beating Maria Sharapova and world No 1 Simona Halep along the way, showed no signs of let-up and overpowered the erratic Williams. Osaka had the stronger serve and worn Williams down in rallies working her from side to side. The match-up worthy of a final came about because both players are unseeded. Osaka is ranked a career-best 22nd, while Williams’ ranking is at 491st after a layoff of more than a year.